As we mark Trans Day of Remembrance, we honour the memory of Trans people who have lost their lives as a result of transphobic violence and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and connectedness.

Together, we must stand in solidarity with the Trans community and show active support to ensure their lives and rights are not sidelined or forgotten.

Trellis’ Clinical Team has put together helpful information and resources on how you can be an effective ally for the Trans community. As you learn and deepen your understanding, empathy, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, remember to share your learnings with friends, family, and community.

Using your voice and privilege to influence people around you creates generational change, and grows a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable future.

What does it mean to be an Ally?

Allyship means showing support and doing what you can to make life less challenging for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It’s important to remember that effective allyship goes beyond moments of celebration like Pride month or moments of reflection like Trans Day of Remembrance. Practicing allyship means showing your support every day, in the ways available to you, and continuously engaging with opportunities to grow your capacity to show support.

With the rise in hate incidents and hateful rhetoric directed toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, allies, and allyship are needed more now than ever.

Why Does Allyship Matter?

Allyship shows the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that people care about their well-being, and that people outside the direct community are willing to defend and stand against hate and discrimination. Allyship can relieve or lighten the burden of those in the community from having to explain and defend 2SLGBTQIA+ issues continuously or as the sole voice speaking on these matters.

What Can I Do as an Ally?

• Don’t assume every person you know or meet is straight or cisgender.

• Use inclusive language. Introduce yourself including your pronouns, default to gender-neutral references to people whose pronouns aren’t known, and more.

• Talk about 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and issues. Normalize open discussion and engagement for those still learning about allyship or their own identities.

• Do your own research about issues relating to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community instead of asking someone within the community to educate you.

• Be open and willing to listen to the lived experiences of others.

• If you hear jokes or derogatory comments about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or its members, take the opportunity to educate others on the harm these can cause members of the community.

• When protests or demonstrations are targeting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, attend as a counter-protestor to show your support and to protect the safety of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in attendance.

Trans Inclusive Resources

• Trans Lifeline (Canada-wide 877-330-6366) – crisis and peer-support hotline staffed by trans people for trans people.

• Distress Centre Calgary (403-266-4537) – 24-hour crisis support crucial assistance.

• Skipping Stone – access to groups, programs, counselling services, and gender-affirming gear for anyone who identifies as trans, transgender, or gender diverse.

• Centre for Sexuality (403-283-5580) – access to programs and services to support healthy sexuality across the lifespan.

• The Alex Youth & Family Health Centre (403-520-2260) – access to gender-affirming health care.